Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangalore (Agenzia Fides) – Accusing Christians in India of carrying out a campaign of illegal or fraudulent conversions is a tactic being used by Hindu fundamentalist movements for mere political reasons, says an ecumenical forum of over 500 priests and pastors from different Christian denominations in the state of Karnataka who met in recent days in Bangalore.
As Agenzia Fides learns from the local Church, the Forum is chaired by Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore and has denounced the attempt by the governments of some Indian states, to approve "anti-conversion" laws, offensive to the religious freedom of Indian citizens.
The allegations of conversions "were exaggerated with the specific intention of creating insecurity and enmity between communities of different religions and Christians. These accusations are politically motivated,” said the Archbishop.
Archbishop Moras said that if some cases have occurred, they shall be investigated and brought before the Court of Justice. But, extending the charge to all Christians indiscriminately, "is just an attempt to create disharmony in society to achieve a political result."
Also, he said, "Christians have never forced anyone," and "the work of proximity and assistance to the poor and marginalized, who often ask to better understand the message of Christ, and who with full awareness and freedom of conscience choose the Christian religion, is there for all to see."
The forum said that the various attacks that are still perpetrated against Christian churches, schools and communities, "are a sign from the Lord, who moves us firmly on the path of ecumenism.” The priests present noted that the current political climate has accelerated the ecumenical cause and the generalized allegations have indeed brought the various Christian denominations in India to seek greater consensus and unity, to respond to the attempts to discredit and slander them.
This has been the first step to strengthen the ecumenical path and to launch joint programs in the areas of liturgy, pastoral, social life, as well as mutual comparison. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 2/12/2009)
